Poor Diet.<\/strong> A diet low in antioxidants and inadequate in calories can leave you in an immunity and energy slump.<\/p>\n Lack of Sleep and Rest.<\/strong> Sleep and rest give your body a chance to recharge and reset. A lack of it could suppress your immune system.<\/p>\n Stress.<\/strong> Stress results in the release of a hormone called cortisol, which builds up in your body and affects the action of immune cells.<\/p>\n You\u2019re probably wondering what you can do to prevent yourself from getting sick! We\u2019ve got you covered!<\/p>\n First, eat the rainbow because fruits and vegetables are high in different antioxidants depending on their colors. In addition, here are 3 specific nutrients that boost your immune system along with key sources:<\/p>\n Vitamin C:<\/strong> Most likely the first nutrient that pops into your head when you think of illness and nutrients. Here are some food sources that are rich in Vitamin C:<\/p>\n Citrus fruits: oranges, grapefruit, lemons<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pineapple<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Berries: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tomatoes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Broccoli<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Melons: honeydew, cantaloupe<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Vitamin D:<\/strong> You probably associate this nutrient with dairy products, and you\u2019re on the right track! During the warmer months of the year you can obtain Vitamin D from the sun. Here are some food and drink sources that are rich in Vitamin D too:<\/p>\n Fatty fish: Salmon, herring, sardines<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Milk that is fortified with Vitamin D<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Juices that are fortified with Vitamin D<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Eggs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mushrooms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Zinc:<\/strong> Not as commonly known as the two above, but still plays a vital role in boosting your immunity! Here are some food sources that are rich in Zinc.<\/p>\n Red meat<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Seafood: oysters, crab, lobster<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Beans<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Nuts<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tofu<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Eat more nutrient-dense foods.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Drink a smoothie in the mornings with your favorite blended fruits\/ veggies (the dollar store usually carries frozen produce if you are on a budget).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add berries, chia or flax seeds to your oatmeal\/yogurt.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Buy products that are fortified with Vitamin D like, cereal, milk, and juices.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Add leafy greens to meals throughout the day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep nightly.<\/strong><\/p>\n Keep a sleep schedule.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Try a sleepytime tea before bed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Manage your stress levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n Meditate.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Make time for hobbies or socializing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Take breaks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Practice good hygiene.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Wash your hands frequently throughout the day.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Carry hand sanitizer or wet-wipes with you to class.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Clean your space often.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n Take supplements if you\u2019re limited on access to fresh produce and food.<\/strong><\/p>\n Take a basic multivitamin.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Buy specific vitamins like Vitamin C, D, and Zinc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n <\/p>\n For additional information on self-care and immunity, check out this link: https:\/\/www.hsph.harvard.edu\/nutritionsource\/nutrition-and-immunity\/<\/a><\/p>\n \n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/174\/7920_chhs_nutrition_20181127-464x348.jpg\")
Nutrients that pack an immunity punch:<\/h3>\n\n
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Here are a few small changes to keep your immune system strong:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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